Stopped On Track (2011)

Directed by: Andreas Dresen
Country: Germany / France

Review: "Stopped on Track” is painful to watch. The opening scene seemed so real that did hurt, when Frank in the company of his wife, receives the news that he has only a few months to live due to a malign brain tumor. Their children took this fact with a sort of lightness at first. A curious fact, which I believe to be normal considering their age. The actors' commitment to their roles was noteworthy, with the expressions on their faces showing exactly the affliction of their souls.  The movie is not only about how Frank deals with his anger, frustration and fear; it’s also about how his family will change throughout the time. A film about cancer will never be easy to watch, having associated to itself an imminent risk of falling in well-known dramatic scenes. “Stopped On Track” was too honest to fall in that state, being able to depict every moment with a great sense of reality.

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Country: UK

Review: Martin McDonagh shows creativity in “Seven Psychopaths”, as he had already done in 2008's “In Bruges”. Colin Farrell joins him once again, playing an alcoholic screenwriter struggling to get fresh ideas for a movie about psychopaths. This film is nothing more than an insolent mockery about old gangster movies with all those flashy explosions and unexpected shootings. A funny absurdity is present in almost every character and situation. Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson and Tom Waits, helped to maintain the spirit of craziness alive by playing compellingly some of the psychos, in a movie whose structure may seem confusing at first, to become better defined as the story progresses. “Seven Psychopaths” is violent and sometimes disorderly in its storytelling, but on the other hand, provides constant surprises and some intelligent jokes. An imaginative action-comedy blend.

West Of Memphis (2012)

Directed by: Amy Berg
Country: USA / New Zealand

Review: "West of Memphis" is the fourth documentary about the 1993 case known as West Memphis Three, on which three teenagers remained more than 18 years in prison, after being convicted for the murder of three 8-year-old kids in Arkansas. The victim's bodies were found in a ditch, exhibiting sexual mutilation and several wounds. The prosecution assumed that the crime was perpetrated as part of a satanic ritual. However, further DNA tests and investigations pointed to another suspect. This case attracted the attention of many people, who claimed for justice, including several celebrities. "West of Memphis" is dense and long, but thoroughly guides you to the fundamental circumstances of this harrowing murder case. Having been produced by Peter Jackson and Damien Echols (one of the wrongly accused), this film also depicts a special love story, involving the latter and Lorri Davis, who he met after his conviction.

Stormland (2011)

Directed by: Marteinn Thorsson
Country: Iceland

Review: “Stormland”, adapted from a novel by Hallgrímur Helgason, opens with a hostage crisis scene, which is suddenly discontinued to step into the kidnapper’s past. Bodvar is a teacher, a writer, a poet and a blogger. Clearly a misfit, nothing seems to go right in his life. Disillusioned with the world, he finds solace in writing for his own blog entitled "Stormland", where he discharges his anger against consumerism, bankers’ power and rotten societies. A slight but incisive humor combines with the soreness of Bodvar’s fate, whereas love, seen as last hope, will be the culmination of his alienation. Darri Ólafsson’s performance was prominent, playing a well-intentioned man that suddenly breaks down when facing simultaneous problems. Then, we realize why Nietzsche’s quote “The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly”, became so meaningful to him.

Keep The Lights On (2012)

Directed by: Ira Sachs
Country: USA

Review: “Keep The Lights On” seemed to bring homosexuality to forefront, yet the prevailing aspect here is substance addiction and the way it slowly ruin happiness. Erik is a filmmaker who has living under pressure for nine years, due to the frequent disappearances of his boyfriend Paul, a lawyer who’s addicted to drugs, alcohol and sex. The movie focuses on Erik’s efforts to have the situation under control, while tries to give the best support to his lover. Occasional betrayals from each one of them were intercalated with the recurrent ruptures and restarts, highlighting the sensations of mistrust and uncertainty. Despite the pouting and tantrums that mark this relationship, Sachs manages to lead the movie in a right way through a simple and practical direction. 

Anna Karenina (2012)

Directed by: Joe Wright
Country: UK

Review: This new cinematographic version of “Anna Karenina”, the 1877’s novel immortalized by Leo Tolstoy, was adapted by Tom Stoppard and directed by Joe Wright. Just as in his former period movies, “Atonement” and “Pride & Prejudice”, Wright picked up Keira Knightley as star. Playing Karenina’s role in a charming way, she was almost alone in a cast that didn’t impress. The movie starts with a comical posture, somewhat frivolous, and soon goes through a theatrical approach that wasn't favorable. Frequently insipid, its most lively moment was a horse race. As for the remaining time, the movie spread melancholy through the waving hand fans and occasional sighs coming from the ballrooms. Notwithstanding the confident attitude and haughty pose adopted, “Anna Karenina” kept a distance and failed to get me out from a state of numbness.

The Sessions (2012)

Directed by: Ben Lewin
Country: USA

Review: “The Sessions” is an independent drama based on Mark O’Brien’s essay “On Seeing a Sex Surrogate”. Mark contracted polio in 1955 and got paralyzed for the rest of his days, a fact that didn't prevent him from graduate and become a poet. The plot is centered in his decision of losing virginity, when he was 38. For that, he will count with a sex therapist, but nothing will be done before consulting his adviser and friend, Father Brendan. This priest, who looked more like a hippie or a veteran rock star, could serve as a good example on showing how to approach such a delicate theme as sex, with wisdom and good sense. At some point, I found myself impatient, hoping that Mark could achieve rapidly his goal. John Hawkes, Helen Hunt and William H.Macy were convincing in “The Sessions”, a gentle, sensitive and humorous film that was able to escape to sentimental excesses by adopting a positive and straightforward attitude.

Lines Of Wellington (2012)

Directed by: Valeria Sarmiento
Country: Portugal / France

Review: “Lines of Wellington” was prepared by Chilean Raul Ruiz to be finished by his widow, Valeria Sarmiento. The movie focuses on the third French invasion of Portugal in 1810, under Napoleon orders. The writing credits belong to Carlos Soboga, who also wrote the screenplay for the charming “Mysteries of Lisbon". In fact, there is no possible comparison between these two movies, except when it comes to cinematography, magnificently handled by Andre Szankowski. “Lines Of Wellington” can’t hide gaps in its narrative, becoming dispersed in its innumerous details and characters. Despite of giving a perception of the period in cause, the absence of a concrete main character, withdrew the possibility to create emotion or giving us some motive to care about. This is a movie of detailed historical facts that needed a greater dose of vitality and focus to stand out. I wonder how it would be if directed by Raul Ruiz.

The Exchange (2011)

Directed by: Eran Kolirin
Country: Israel

Review: After the much appreciated “The Band’s Visit” (2007), Eran Kolirin embarks in a completely different reality. “The Exchange” is an intriguing story about a man’s obsession, which emerged unexpectedly one day when he had to break his routine, returning home from work in the middle of the afternoon. Some voyeurism, weird behaviors and possessive attitudes toward his wife, reinforced the idea of an insecure, suspicious and troubled man, who will find in a neighbor the perfect companion. Rotem Keinan’s performance was convincing, showing the interior struggle of someone who's willing to break the “rules”. The main issue with this film was that everything seemed so intriguing that I got used to it after a while, making me lose some sensibility for certain details. With a daring plot, “The Exchange” isn’t perfect but is unquestionably disconcerting.

War Witch (2012)

Directed by: Kim Nguyen
Country: Canada

Review: “War Witch” covers a strong subject, using raw images and a well-organized structure. Komona, a pregnant girl of 14-years-old, tells her own story. Forced to join the rebel army at 12, she was submitted to several rites to suppress feelings or emotion, including the assassination of her parents and hard beatings every time she started to cry. Luckily, she became a protected “war witch”, after having developed some extra-sensitivity to feel the enemies, due to a drug that they called “magical sap”. But not everything was so gloomy. “War Witch” also uncovers a genuine love story, and proves that even in extremely harsh conditions and savage circumstances there are good souls who might help you out. The time expended with these positive aspects helped to soothe the weight of a disturbing and sad reality, more and more common in African soils. Rachel Mwanza was considered best actress at Berlin and Tribeca Film Festivals.

Les Miserables (2012)

Directed by: Tom Hooper
Country: UK

Review: Victor Hugo’s magnificent literary work, “Les Miserables”, is once more adapted into cinema, but this time as a musical drama. Directed by the talented Tom Hooper (“The Damned United”, “The King’s Speech”), this big production didn’t have practically any impact on me. The musical side simply didn’t work, with most of the songs being presented in the same melancholic mood, while the emotions didn’t surfaced, remaining hidden behind the exacerbated revolutionary chants or the deep laments of love and regret. From the entire cast, only Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter excelled, with the latter bringing into my mind Tim Burton’s dark musical “Sweeney Todd”. Regarding the outer scenarios, I wonder why these high-budget films tend to adopt an artificial appearance, looking more like paintings rather than reality. “Les Miserables” aimed too high and turned out on another unnecessary film.

The Impossible (2012)

Directed by: Juan Antonio Bayona
Country: Spain

Review: “The Impossible” was inspired on the real events lived by a family, during the catastrophic tsunami that has devastated Thailand in 2004. The images are absolutely impressive, showing chaotic landscapes and the tribulations lived by those who were hurt or looking for their families. Although visually appealing, the movie adopted a questionable approach. When mother and son entered the hospital, they didn’t show any concern with the whereabouts of the rest of the family. They didn’t even mentioned them. I found this particularly strange. With flair for the dramatic side, “The Impossible” increases the viewer’s despair with a sentimental soundtrack and evinces some staged situations, hoping to touch your heart and impress your eyes. Bayona's direction, clearly aiming for massive audiences, reduced the chances of creating a more effective film from this particular drama.

Rurouni Kenshin (2012)

Directed by: Keishi Ohtomo
Country: Japan

Review: Adapted from a popular Manga series, what we foresaw in “Rurouni Kenshin” was provided, yet in an uneven manner. The movie tells the adventures of a former assassin who seeks redemption in the beginning of Meiji period. He became a wandering swordsman, known for using a reverse sword to protect people. This new way of life will be challenged, when a wealthy opium merchant gets in his way. A well composed cinematography contrasts with a not so impressive story, where swords and machine guns are mixed. The fights put the energy that was supposed to, yet sometimes look too cartoonish, while the characterization produced a weird effect with the heroes seeming teen-warriors and the villains eccentric. Far from the best samurai movies, “Rurouni Kenshin” can be watchable, but just if we look into it as an animated entertainment.

Searching For Sugar Man (2012)

Directed by: Malik Bendjelloul
Country: UK / Sweden

Review: This documentary depicts an incredible story about an American musician who lived all his life in the shadow, while his records were sold at a fast pace in South Africa, during several years. The movie begins with all the mysteries involving Rodriguez, a man who nobody knew much about. Appearing and disappearing like a ghost, this composer from Detroit was a complete failure in the US, despite the meaningful lyrics and an interesting acoustic sound. Being an inspiration to South African people during the apartheid, in a time where any kind of art referring drugs or sex were banned by censorship, Rodriguez aroused curiosity among several followers of his music. An investigation was started, leading to unbelievable conclusions. “Searching For Sugar Man” is one of the best documentaries of 2012, making justice to a humble and talented artist.

The Bourne Legacy (2012)

Directed by: Tony Gilroy
Country: USA

Review: “The Bourne Legacy” was written and directed by Tony Gilroy (“Michael Clayton”, “Duplicity”), who sought inspiration on Robert Ludlum’s Bourne trilogy. Curiously, or not so much, Peter Greengrass (director of the last two Bourne’s) refused to direct this movie. The same had happened with the leading role: Jeremy Renner was the chosen, after Matt Damon’s quit. Greengrass and Damon predicted well what was coming with this sequel: Nothing new! Without passion, action scene upon action scene, it could not arouse any thrilling effect, due to the stereotypes of a wobbly plot and a performance that lost the charisma left by Damon. “The Bourne Legacy” could not challenge or provoke because it simply didn’t have anything more valuable to offer, when compared to the other three movies from which it was based on.

George Harrison:Living In The Material World (2011)

Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Country: USA

Review: Scorsese’s documentary about George Harrison is a wonderful opportunity to know more about the ex-Beatles’ life. It thoroughly covers in a chronologically way, the different phases of his career as musician, his private life and the ceaseless search for a spiritual side in himself. That particular search made him experience the world of drugs and also led him to India. There, he learned to meditate and sought inspiration on the music of Ravi Shankar to proceed his solo career. In the final 70’s, he unexpectedly joined Terry Gilliam’s Monty Python group, having participated in “Life Of Brian” as an actor and executive producer. Beautiful photographs and video footage were placed on the screen, intercalated with interviews of his closest friends and family. Watching “George Harrison: Living in the Material World” made me look to the shyest Beatle with much more respect.

Ace Attorney (2012)

Directed by: Takashi Miike
Country: Japan

Review: After two magnificent incursions into the ancient world of Samurais (“13 Assassins”, “Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai”), Takashi Miike adapts a popular Japanese videogame called “Ace Attorney” into film, where the players assume the role of a defense attorney in a fictional courtroom. The novice Phoenix Wright is our hero, always saved in the last moment by a brilliant idea or a little help from his friends. The investigation of a mysterious murder reopens another similar case occurred 15 years before, making the battles between attorneys to be ferocious and extremely amusing. The special attention given to characterization, costume designs and hairstyles, worked very well together with the remarkable futuristic scenarios and special effects. Exquisitely laughable, “Ace Attorney” reveals to be a mess... but with a distinct look and personality.

Architecture 101 (2012)

Directed by: Lee Yong-Joo
Country: South Korea

Review: “Architecture 101” is a Korean film that combines romance with architecture. A friendship between a girl and a boy ended 15 years ago in college, in harsh circumstances. Seung-Min, now an architect, was surprised by Seo-Yeon when she appears in his office asking him to build the house of her dreams. At the sound of cheesy tunes, the storyline moves back and forth in time, invoking nostalgic feelings and reviving the 90's. Clearly targeting juvenile audiences, this romance wasn’t sufficiently refreshing or exceptional to get me involved. Architecturally speaking, I would say that some basic pillars are missing here: pace, surprise and a better soundtrack, which make this "house" unable to stand up. Despite the huge success in South Korea, "Architecture 101" definitely is not among the best romantic flicks of the last times.

Jack Reacher (2012)

Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie
Country: USA

Review: Based on “One Shot”, the reputable novel by Lee Child, “Jack Reacher” brings Tom Cruise into the role of a former Army Military Police, whose name was implicated on the random killings of five people in Pittsburgh. Christopher McQuarrie, who got famous for writing “The Usual Suspects”, makes his second apparition as director, but disastrously nothing really stood out in “Jack Reacher”. The plot was impregnated with the usual formulas without bestow anything new. The predictable shootings, the long and tiresome car chasings and a limp ending, are reasons to ask: where have I seen this before?. I didn't feel any empathy for the characters, with Werner Herzog (yes!, the German filmmaker) being the most interesting of the cast. “Jack Reacher” filled the screens with another instantly forgettable punisher.

Django Unchained (2012)

Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Country: USA

Review: “Django Unchained” is the most entertaining and provoking western of the last couple of years. The story itself doesn’t require much thought, but a delicate subject such as slavery was never handled with so indiscretion before. Tarantino’s mind has created another of his typical electrifying action movies, where bloodbaths and sharp humor join together to generate an explosive combination. Some scenes were deliberately exaggerated, being a mark of the director's style. I would have recognized his hand here, even if I didn’t know who the director was – I think that’s positive. The soundtrack was of bigger importance for “Django” to be classified as an unparalleled western; we can listen to a huge variation of styles such as: hip-hop, classical, romantic Italian or spaghetti western music. This is not the best work by Tarantino, but definitely one not to miss.